U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue hailed President Trump's directive to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to begin a rulemaking process to expand the sale of corn ethanol, to include E15 year-round. Perdue issued the following statement:

"This is another case of 'Promises Made, Promises Kept' for President Trump. Expanding the sale of E15 year-round is sound policy for a variety of reasons. Consumers will have more choices when they fill up at the pump, including environmentally friendly fuel
with decreased emissions.

"It is also an excellent way to use our high corn productivity and improved yields. Year-round sale of E15 will increase demand for corn, which is obviously good for growers. This has been a years-long fight and is another victory for our farm and rural
economies. Along with E15 expansion, we also welcome much-needed reforms to the RIN market, which will also increase transparency.

"President Trump has again made it abundantly clear that he is unleashing the full potential of American energy production as we retake our rightful place as the world's leader. I thank President Trump for his steadfast support of E15 expansion, while also
acknowledging the close working relationship we've developed with Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. I look forward to working with the EPA to see rulemaking and year-round E15 completed by the driving season of 2019."